Essential tremor (ET) is a brain condition that is thought to arise from abnormal electrical brain activity, leading to uncontrollable shaky movements (tremors) of the hands, limbs, head or voice. Learn more

Sperling Neurosurgery Associates in Delray Beach, Florida is a technologically-advanced, patient-oriented practice dedicated to providing the most effective techniques in Essential Tremor treatment. Learn more

At Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, we strive to make every patient feel comfortable, educated, and in control. Here you’ll find a variety of ways to make your visit easier and your personal journey smoother. Learn more

Ultrasound is a form of energy that can pass harmlessly through tissue. It does not involve surgery or radiation. Thanks to brain mapping done by our powerful magnet and specialized software, Neuravive focuses 1024 beams of ultrasound energy all pinpointed on a very small brain area, the VIM of the thalamus, that transmits tremor signals. As the focused ultrasound gradually destroys this area, the tremor signals are interrupted. When it is over, the result is an immediate stop or significant reduction in tremors.

For ET patients who no longer respond to medication, Sperling Neurosurgery Associates is pleased to offer the revolutionary advantages of Neuravive. Our expert doctors and staff, using our state-of-the-art equipment, assure a safe and caring Neuravive treatment experience.

What is involved in the Neuravive procedure?

The patient lies on a treatment bed that slides into the MRI scanner. The patient wears a special helmet that keeps the head still, and contains the ultrasound delivery system. During the procedure, the patient is awake and fully conscious. Since there are no incisions or holes drilled into the skull, and no insertion of electrodes or probes into the brain, no anesthesia is used and there is no pain. However, a mild sedative may be given to ensure relaxation and comfort.

Our Advanced Neuravive Treatment Protocol

The goal of treatment is to control tremor on the side of the body where it is worst. This allows minimal-to-no risk of side effects.

The entire outpatient procedure takes 3+ hours using a sequence of “sonications” (aiming of ultrasound beams at the target area).

Planning and guiding the treatment inside the MRI scanner assures safety and accuracy.

The doctor and medical team stay in constant communication with the patient, and monitor the effect of the treatment in controlling tremor.

When the treatment is done, success is immediately evident and recovery is rapid.

Follow-Up Care Plan

Because MRgFUS involves no cutting into skin or drilling into the skull to insert probes or implants, most patients recover very rapidly and resume normal activity within a few days. Mild side effects tend to resolve quickly.

However, the Neuravive MRgFUS procedure does not treat the underlying disease nor prevent worsening or progression of the disease. It is essential for patients to follow the Sperling Neurosurgery Associates’ aftercare plan, which is individualized for each patient. Just as important, patients must be in communication with their own physician or neurologist.

MRI-guided Focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for essential tremor was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July, 2016. Only a doctor can evaluate and qualify an ET patient for treatment using the Neuravive MRgFUS.

Find out how we can help you!

If you or someone you love suffers from essential tremor and you’d like to know more about how we can help, call Sperling Neurosurgery Associates today at (908) 956-5946.

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Does Neuravive MRgFUS have side effects?

All medical procedures have some degree of risk, however small.

Short term side effects have been reported in clinical studies, and tend to resolve within days or weeks. Temporary effects may include muscle weakness, gait disturbances, sensations of tingling or numbness.

Regarding long term side effects, at 12 months only 4.4% of MRgFUS patients reported persistent side effects compared with Deep Brain Stimulation patients (21.2%) or thalamotomy patients (11.8%). “Complication rates were lowest in the MRgFUS group.”*

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Feature in San Antonio ABC affiliate on the difference between Parkinsons and ET and how Sperling Medical Group's Neuravive treatment is helping patients eliminate their ET symptoms. Read the article »